A picture can say a thousand words

Last Thursdays farcical Haltemprice and Howden by-election is done and dusted - thank heavens for that. No need for more words.

Just has to be the picture of the week !

David Davis in a line up with the 25 other rather strange collection of candidates.

Here's a Caption contest - "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" is spot on.

Orthordox Christian win case against Islington Council

A story that I've been following for months has attracted international media attention...

Islington which has a large 'Gay' population introduced Civil Partnerships 21 December 2005. Lillian Ladele who has been a registrar for 16 years and as an orthodox Christian refused to officiate at such ceremonies saying it was against her religious beliefs.

Her request to be to be excused from conducting civil partnerships for gay men and women was turned down. In May this year she took the council to court claiming she was bullied, shunned and accused of being homophobic for refusing to carry out civil partnerships, which she believes are "sinful". She was threatened with sack and treated abominably by 'Gay' colleagues.

Yesterday the court ruled in her favour. A landmark ruling means she will keep her job and get compensation - amount to be decided in Sept.

Extracts from various media reports on the ruling-

"[The Council] decided that the service it provided was secular and that the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual community must be protected. In so acting, Islington Council took no notice of the rights of Miss Ladele by virtue of her orthodox Christian beliefs."

The panel ruled, "Islington Council rightly considered the importance of the right of the gay community not to be discriminated against but did not consider the right of Miss Ladele as a member of a religious group."

The ruling concurred and found that the Council's behaviour towards Ladele had amounted to unlawful harassment.

In an video interview by the BBC, she says she's finding it difficult to overcome what she claims was a traumatic experience.

It will be interesting if the Council do appeal against the decision as has been suggested. One of the attractions of Britain’s national character is an acceptance of those from different racial, social or religious backgrounds. Orthodox Christians many from West Africa are unshaken in their beliefs, referred to as God's law. Haven't got much time for formal religion myself but one has to respect those that do.

However the long term wider implications of the ruling for all Councils and other employers as to their demands of their workers is yet to be addressed.

Mystery shopper or Supersleuth!

The rain this past couple of days has been dreadful but life goes on....

Some months ago I mentioned I was considering taking part in a local residents Mystery Shopper program. Many companies and organisations have introduced such schemes to help evaluate and improve on their services. Also to identify resident and community problems. Sounded right up my street. Missed the first group meeting. Almost forgot about it until I received an invite to join the second batch of recruits. Braving the rain, yesterday went along to the induction meeting. Must be one of the most interesting concepts I've agreed to take part in.

Talk about being a supersleuth, spy, detective or whatever. Assignments given out are to be done undercover. Very impressed with the makeup of the other members of the group - Islington residents of all ages from all walks of life. Some of the older ladies found it difficult to get their heads around actually naming names, dates and times - they needed a lot of encouragement. Role play was fun. Lunch was delicious.

Well we have the first set of assignments - have planned my own probing scenarios. Will be interesting to see from the feedback how we all get on.

Campaign to keep York Way entrance of King's Cross station open!

Have been following the regeneration development of Kings Cross over the past few years. The demographics of the area is changing rapidly. It's very impressive viewing from the top of a bus travelling towards this side.

With the work in progress, having this blocked off and that blocked off, it is most confusing at times making one's way in and out of the station.

There are days when the station is also so jam packed they have to close off the tube for health and safety reasons. The only alternative is the bus - less stressful.

When they blocked of the east-side, Wharfdale Road/York Way entrance it was most inconvenient having to lug a suitcase all the way around the building to get the 390 bus home. The bus stop is outside. Considering the number of people who use the Islington side entrance, thought it would only be a temporary.

Everybody presumed there would be a well lit up entrance incorporated into the design. It's so eerie in that area waiting for a bus when it's dark. I tend to use Euston up the road and avoid the stop unless it is really necessary.

Now we are told we'll lose this entrance all together, Spring 2009 . Local community campaigners have been asking for a bridge to exit via York Way but this has been rejected. Network Rail are refusing to replace it with a safe and accessible alternative. It's as if the voice of Islington's local community is completely being ignored.

A website has been keeping locals up to speed with what is going on. Local campaigner Sophie Talbot has now set up a Facebook group - inviting members of the public who use the station to a public meeting on 16 July.

There's also a the Downing Street petition. If the petition has 200 signatures the Prime Minister's office has to formally reply, so do sign up and get all your friends and family to sign up too! The only condition is signatories should be resident in UK. Thinking of all the people who use the station on a daily basis should attract thousands.

Will be following the progress more closely in the future.....

Britblog roundup 177 and that cake

This weeks BBRU is hosted by Amused Cynicism and as expected many interesting nominations.

My favourite just has to be - The Diary of a Goldfish bakes a disturbing cake.

Another wacky one from Wales - A welshman mistakes the moon for a UFO and actually dials 999. An easy mistake that anyone could make!

Yes, we all know small things amuse small minds but.... Least it does add a bit of fun to the Summer madness.

Next week’s Britblog Roundup will be hosted by Jackart. You should send nominations to the usual place, britblog [at] gmail [dot] com

Bridget Fox banging on about Woolworths vs Waitrose

Bridget Fox seems to really have her knickers in a twist about the news that Waitrose is to replace Woolworths at the Angel.

There's local interest after the Londonist website, Islington Gazette and the Tribune covered the story.

Naturally there's a sentiment attached to Woolies. Their stores have been around as long as I can remember. The reality of the situation is that their shops stuck in a time warp and are badly in need of a revamp. Economically one can't blame the company for looking at ways of downsizing and generating revenue where they can. A rapidly developing area, the branch at Angel is a prime site which must be worth a bob or two as are all the properties in that area. Only one stop up from London's King's Cross regeneration - Eurostar

In a previous post I was praising Bridget Fox -Waitrose moving in to Angel but now she seems to have lost the plot.

How can any right minded person think they can tell Woolies management/shareholders to keep a building and a branch open when they want to sell up. They have the right to sell to whom they want. It is already a done deal signed and sealed.

With the shabby looking Woolies going it's now a golden opportunity to develop Chapel Market - stall holders will be clapping their hands with delight. A letter in this week's local rag has it spot on.

I very much hope it will shift all the ex-Woolies shoppers, look­ing for toys, hardware and all the other stuff Woolies sold, onto Chapel Market itself. This market is a fantastic facility for the community, and I love spending time shopping there – not just the stalls themselves but the shops that sit behind them. I’m sure it’s no great coincidence that the market has featured in two series of The Apprentice, to challenge the teams on good salesmanship.

To those worried about the loss of Woolworths, I urge you to get down to Chapel Market and get spending your money on the plethora of goods for sale – whether a pound of potatoes or a new double bed!

Oh no, Bridget is thinking with her boots on not her head. On her blog, 1st July - Woolworths & Waitrose: update.

I don’t know if we can get them to think again, but I’ve now written to Mark Price, the managing director of Waitrose: to ask them to reconsider...

I’ve also posted something similar on Mr Price’s blog on the company website: it’ll be interesting to see if it appears and if so, what response we get.

Again 2nd July, Waitrose again -Surprise, surprise: Waitrose didn’t put my comment on their MD’s blog. From moderation@waitrose.com -Your comment on Waitrose.com was not approved

Did she really think the moderator would allow her spiel through.

Bridget Fox is hoping to be an MP - With this kind of mindset, God help us if she ever achieves her ambition. She obviously hasn't got a grasp of business economics. For the life of me can't help wondering what she is hoping to achieve by all this. Maybe she thinks it will be a vote catching ploy. Could think of many more deserving community issues to campaign on that would really help local people.

Jackart's upset by the feminists

Really have to laugh at the reaction of some bloggers to other peoples posts.

This weeks BBRU has A Very british Dude up in arms about some of the feminist posts nominated. He writes Feminists are really tiresome - at Suz Blog there's some really rubbish feminist boilerplate which has earned Kate Sumerthwaite, author of Cruella-blog a link to the right under "blogs by idiots".....

About another nominees post which is actually very interesting even if I don't agree with everything written, he writes -

Whilst Cruella is merely silly and wet, "An open letter from a Feminist" is ridiculous in its hairy-legged self loathing. In one post the startling assertion is made that.....

He concludes - Someone go and tell these dears to put the kettle on for me, would you?

Flaming cheek, I'm lost for words - sounds like feminists frighten him. A typical mail chauvinistic attitude - could think of some choice words myself to respond to his post but....

Britblog roundup 176 - here comes the girls

An amazing rash of feisty femail blogger nominations this week. Many I've never heard of before but more the merrier.

This weeks round up just has to start with Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday celebration. Millions around the world emotionally watched Friday's televised 46664 charity concert to combat HIV/Aids in Africa.

From my neck of the woods, femail blogger, Councillor Meral Ece who was at the event in Hyde Park London, writes - Nelson Mandela 90th birthday concert - fantastic

Don't think anybody in the world is not touched by the story of his life. He was jailed in 1964 for 27 years for leading the liberation movement against apartheid and for his impassioned stance on the rights of everyone to live in freedom. Such a wonderful man who surely will go down in history as the greatest statesman in living memory. An icon of his country.

An interesting tit-bit picked up about the number 46664 - He was prisoner number 466, imprisoned in 1964. The Robben Island prisoners were never referred to by their names, but rather by their numbers and year of imprisonment - hence 46664 was Nelson Mandela's number.

So frail in body but with still a powerful voice he voiced his concern over Zimbabwe in no uncertain term in his last public address to the world.

Henley by-election is done and dusted - John Howell (Conservative): 19,796 (57%, +3%).

The Acting Returning Officer, David Buckle's blog, in the run up to the Henley by-election says Its-all-over-now.

Iain Dale's Diary, Quote from Stephen Pound MP on hearing the Henley by-election result, with Labour at 3%, behind the BNP... Was Gordon in the Library?

Here come the girls:

Susan from Grimmerupnorth, a Labour activist writes Losing Our Deposit, gives 10 reasons why she believes Gordon Brown got it wrong. Sadie Smith of Sadie's Tavern - What in the name of chuffing hell?

And more feisty girls:

From An Open Letter by a Feminist - On Being Born a Woman.

Kate Smurthwaite, a true feminist who pens Cruella-blog on Harriet Harmen's new equality bill Hell, I'll Take It!

The F-word, who describes herself as a contemporary UK feminist, draws up her own mini round up 2 of other feminist blogs.

Our own Natalie Bennett, Philobiblon writes her Carnival of Feminists No 59 - some very interesting even saucy posts.

Angela Saini, a journalist and science writer from Nothing shocks me I'm a scientist after listening to a speech by the UN secretary general says Ban Ki-moon's birthday message

Here's one, pondering about animals Live sharp, die young

From novelist Catherine Sanderson living in France, ring finger all gushy and nice

Madam Miaow on the Terracotta Warriors exhibition held at the British Museum - some lovely photos. And anti-choice Nadine Dorries is at it again with regards to reducing abortion time limits

Heinz in the midst of controversy:

Varied points of view on the capitulation by Heinz in banning their advert that shows ....two men.....kissing - Lesbilicious, Heinz pull the plug on their Deli 'mum' advert, Heinz Two Man No Messed Up, harpymarx on Heinz: the boycott begins and an Interesting opinion piece from James Gordon MacIntosh who wishes to stress they are his personal views and not that of the PR company, Seventy Seven PR, owned by the Ad's producers AMV BBDO, he apparently works for.

A gem of a news Item.

Back in a Bit writes Why I like Cryptosporidium

Unless you have an interest in the subject of water-borne parasites, you’d have no reason to know the first thing about cryptosporidium. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if, a week ago, not a single one of the quarter-million had even heard of it. Now, of course, it’s a regular topic around a hundred-thousand dinner-tables.

Mentioning the BNP evokes very passionate feelings.

From Harpymarx - some lovely pics from the rescent anti-fascist demo, Harry's Place is very vocal about Combating the BNP

Then on the opposite side of the political spectrum are the real nutters Up Against The Wall You Mad Cow! - Monster Raving Looney Party is not funny and never has been.

More Politics

The Devil's Kitchen - The NHS: the politicians think it's fucked... Strong reaction to a newly published book ......Sixty Years On: Who Cares For The NHS?

Blaney's Blarney rants - What kind of country have Blair and Brown given us? And will the Tories do anything to sort this out..? Prepare for your blood to boil - articles from Newspapers to make anybody furious

Daily (Maybe), Jim Jay on the Liberal Conspiracy meet-up as he travelled home on the train.

Dave Cole says Two cheers for Tom Watson - has released a code of conduct for blogging civil servants.

Andrew Dodge annoyed at Charles Tannock MEP, Free trade…not really…MEP doesn’t get it

Charles Crawford, blogoir, reminising on serving as HM Ambassador in Belgrade from 2001-2003 -Montenegro: My Role In Its Triumph

There has to be some sport:

Fora writes Just not cricket: the Elliot dismissal. The controversial decision seems to have upset many cricket fans

Those strikes in the news:

Another strong voice, female blogger, Marsha-Jane Thompson from Union Futures on "Yes" vote for strike action from Unison members

Jon's union blog, Unite members have voted to strike UNITE join UNISON and solidarity to the striking London Underground cleaners

The farcical Haltemprice and Howden by-election, 10th July 2008:

The political circus is coming to town, To back David Davis or not to back David Davis - DAVID DAVIS - AN UNLIKELY HERO, Another Green World on their candidates 25 candidates in by-election, More Green support - The Haltemprice and Howden by-election

General interesting stuff.

Missed off from last week's roundup but happy to include now. I know this might not be to everyone's taste, but I think Bourdieu was one of the greatest modern thinkers:A Day With Bourdieu.

The Magistrate's Blog comments on the Naomi Campbell sarga. So sad that a person of her calibre should feel she can get away with such behaviour in public. Nelson Mandella asked for her name to be taken off the 64464 concert guest list. She was wearing one of the charities peaked caps at the time of her arrest at the airport and this irked him.

Unspeak an interesting post, Plutoid - You will remember the kerfuffle in 2006 over Pluto being stripped of its status as a planet. For a time there it was relegated to the description “dwarf planet”.1 But now it has been officially decided what Pluto really is. It’s a plutoid......

NHS blog doc is all hot under the collar- Lunch box Police "Cakes and biscuits are allowed?". Allowed? How dare they? I have had enough. Please leave me alone. Please go away.

Nearly missed one Raped girl wants abortion religious nutters say no
An 11 year old Romanian girl was raped by her uncle and now wants an abortion. You’d think it’d be a no-brainer that she should have one, right? Well, you’d be wrong, religious groups oppose it:

Phew! that's the lot, my bums actually gone numb sitting here writing this. Hope readers think it is worth it.

Later, Got the host wrong - Next week's host will by Cabalamat who pens, Amused Cynicism.

Anybody read something they like during the week send nominations to the usual address: britblog [at] gmail [dot] com. Self nomination is allowed for one post.

I'm signing off with my usual salutation 'Segobe'

Waitrose moving in to Angel

Last week came the announcement Waitrose buys up Woolworths sites and plans to open four news shops in London, Chiswick, Clapham, Edgware Road and Islington.

By the end of the year Waitrose will replace the Woolworths store at Angel in Islington and some people are not happy about it. Woolworths has been there for yonks. One of Woolies larger stores, it provides a good variety of reasonably priced goods - very handy for baby care, household, stationary goods, children's toys and garden bits and bobs. They still sell a delightfull range of pick and mix sweets the old fashioned way in a paper bag.

Not often I agree with Bridget Fox but last week she blogged Wait a minute, Waitrose. She echoes the same sentiment I feel about shopping in Waitrose, everything they sell is just 'nice' and they do online delivery.

On the other hand Waitrose, describe by some as an upper class brand Supermarket is probably more suitable to the so called 'posh' upmarket part of Islington. They presently only have one store in the borough at Holloway Road, a fair distance from Angel.

The local freebie the Islington Tribune this week commented, Upmarket move as Waitrose ousts Woolies - THAT bastion of working-class Islington, Chapel Market, is going upmarket with a new Waitrose store. > more

An end of an era for Woolies I'm afraid - sad but that's the economics of life.

Update: I stand corrected - there are 2 existing Waitrose stores in Islington. Apparently there is one in Clerkenwell as well. Shows I don't go to that part of the borough much - certainly no direct public transport route from this side.

The political circus is coming to town

The early morning news - as widely expected, Tories win Henley, John Howell (Conservative): 19,796 (57%, +3%)

It was considered one of their safest seats but the shock news is that Labour came fifth behind the LibDems, the Green party and even the BNP. As predicted by the pollsters Labour lost their deposit - Richard McKenzie (Labour): 1,066 (3%, -12%)

Cameron hails by-election victory - of course David Cameron is crowing. The Tories have wiped the floor with Labour. Gordon Brown is burying himself in an ever deeper hole.

However seeing John Howell make his thank you speech with a man dressed as a banana next to him just shows how comical some of UK's elections are becoming.

The next by-election, 10th July 2008 is the farcical Haltemprice and Howden by-election.

The acting returning officer Nigel Pearson confirmed that David Davis will face 25 other candidates in the by-election. Labour and the Liberal Democrats having boycotted the election haven't put up a candidate.

The by-election is being referred to as bizarre political circus. - Never a truer statement

Full list of candidates and what a list it is, with the smaller parties together with the weird, wacky and wonderful. It's claimed it is the longest list of candidates for any by-election since records began

Grace Astley - Independent, David Bishop - Church of the Militant Elvis Party, Ronnie Carroll - Make Politicians History, Mad Cow-GIRL - The Official Monster Raving Loony Party, David Craig - Independent, Herbert Crossman - Independent, Tess Culnane - National Front Britain for the British, Thomas Darwood - Independent, David Davis - Conservative, Tony Farnon - Independent, Eamonn "Fitzy" Fitzpatrick - Independent, Christopher Foren - Independent, Gemma Garrett - Miss Great Britain Party, George Hargreaves - Christian Party, Hamish Howitt - Freedom 4 Choice, David Icke - No party listed, John Nicholson - Independent, Shan Oakes - Green Party, David Pinder - The New Party, Joanne Robinson - English Democrats: Putting England First, Jill Saward - Independent, Norman Scarth - Independent, Walter Sweeney - Independent, Christopher Talbot - Socialist Equality Party, John Upex - Independent, Greg Wood - Independent,

It's reported that candidate, Walter Sweeney, former Conservative MP for the Vale of Glamorgan, intends to take Davis head on concerning 42 days detention.

Also today Davis mocks 'terrified' Brown as he launches Haltemprice campaign - He outlined his 10 policies to protect British freedom. Can't really see what the whole point of the whole charade is myself. Davis was expecting that he would be able to take on a Labour candidate and win on principle. With no serious contender he has seriously shot himself in the foot.

He is expected to win and be returned to Parliament but it would be hysterical if voters didn't bother to turn out and one of the other candidates won instead.

Proposed £1 for a rubbish bag

Camden news this week - Call to charge for every bin bag thrown out

RESIDENTS could be charged for every bin bag of rubbish they throw out, under new plans laid out by Councillor Alexis Rowell Camden's eco-champion.

Under the scheme residents would only be able to put out rubbish in a certain type of bag - available from local shops at a cost of well over £1 each - but recycled waste would still be collected free.

In what is believed to be the first study of its kind by a local authority, Camden commissioned an audit to assess the benefits of collecting glass, paper and plastic separately against mixing them up.

It will be interesting to read the final report on the study and what the so called experts make of it as well. Arguably it's more environmentally friendly to keep recycling rubbish separated as it was before. Councils started commingling claiming to save on cost and the number of vehicles perambulating the streets. The end product is a lot of contaminated recycling. Fact - Glass bottles can't be recycled and used again by glass bottle manufactures if it's contaminated with other items so it’s used as aggregate for roads. The same applies to paper.

Alexis writes passionately on his blog - his post Getting to grips with recycling is as a result of his own investigations.

Food waste also is a real bug bear - not many people actually bother to recycle food. They dump it in their general household rubbish bags. In the summer it stinks and the foxes love it. Myself and the young lady in the flat upstairs, weekly fill up one food waste recycling bucket each. For larger families they would need two of even something larger.

Have a great deal of respect for Alexis's drive on environmental issues. Camden is leading the way in London making some lasting changes and there is a noticeable difference in the cleanliness of the borough.

It's may be the way in Belgium - Not sure the idea of having to buy colour coded rubbish bag for £1 would be accepted. I can appreciate the concept of recovering costs but it's expensive especially for those on low incomes - most people won't bother unless it becomes compulsory. A whole roll of black bags can be bought for a £1. Also many items can't be recycled and for those with large families they would need more than one bag. More than likely it would encourage more fly tipping.

With European targets to be met one can envisage major changes to the way UK recycles. Already there is an official Campaign for Real Recycling

On my side of the road, The Islington side, tomorrow they are having a Greener, Cleaner, Safer Day based at the Tube Station specifically targeting this side of the ward. It's a mammoth operation involving different divisions of the council and their contractors.

Felt very self conscious about their inspection of over hanging trees and peoples property frontages. It's all in the mind I know but it prompted me to do a task I've be putting off - spraying the weeds in the front path and cleaning up the rubbish by the tree. Looks good but found somebody has spitefully nicked the specially placed wall edge/gate support stone...... Well they can come and nosey at the tree as much as they want now - It's long overdue for a trim anyway.

Heinz pull the plug on their Deli 'mum' advert

Gone were the days when the simple slogan Beans means Heinz was a household catchphrase.

Heinz has withdrawn its Deli Mayo TV ad which had two men kissing and apologised to viewers. After only a week on the air the advertising regulator received about 200 complaints that it was offensive and inappropriate.




Hardly a surprise there. The idea of the advert seems to be a spin on replacing an ordinary Mum with a male Dele Mayo cook. To most people it just looks like two men kissing. Just wonder which plonker thought that one up - the script's joke has backfired.

I can hear the usual homophobic shouts. Far from it. Thinking of all the little darlings who eat Heinz beans. How does anybody explain to them why men would be kissing.

Update: From - BTW the facebook group currently has 1823 people going to boycott the company's products and the petition to reinstate the ad now has 5288 signatures.

An interesting opinion piece on the blog of what appears to the PR company, Seventy Seven PR, owned by the Ad's producers AMV BBDO.

Sloppy workmanship is so infuriating

Was my eldest son Marcus's birthday last Tuesday. Decided to make him a cake - well that was the plan anyway. One of those maddening coincidences in life but the combi-boiler, after rattling and shaking for a few hours, suddenly stopped working - no hot water. That scuppered my immediate plans for any fancy cooking.

After my frantic phone call, two heating engineers came within a few hours but annoyingly a new part had to be ordered. That took 4 more days. Sure glad it's summer, 5 days without heating would have been unbearable.

Just shows how we are spoilt in this day and age. Thought boiling water in pans, carrying buckets of water to bath and washing up in a small bowl I'd left behind in Africa. Really threw me out of sync.

Late Friday hot water was back on. Came back home early evening to start baking and found the boiler with it's new fan was still rattling - what a noise. One of my pet hates is sloppy workmanship, I was fuming. Just in time, managed to catch the company still open. The lady on the end of the phone was so understanding, she booked another emergency engineer for this early morning.

A family get-together Saturday the cake and the cooking was a success but so much washing up. All weekend with a rattling boiler was quiet unnerving. Have vision of these old gas boilers blowing up. Kept switching it off for safety.

Now all is calm, A young man arrived pronto this morning - sorted it very efficiently so now is all quiet. What a relief. Now I'm in a better frame of mind must thank the lady for all the trouble she went to sorting it out.

Paul Walter thinks he is being funny

The David Davies drama is not going to go away for a very long time. I suspect it will be a long drawn out affair and drag on for weeks. Seems political activists don't have much else to write about these days. Been trawling the web and what diverse opinions abound.

A whisper from the man in the know says DD will be officially resigning his seat in Parliament tomorrow. Only then the real fun will start.

One post that has got me so annoyed this morning, Paul Walter writes

Is it just me or, judging by the masthead of his new web site, is David Davis' "Freedom" campaign targeted at a relatively narrow section of the population ? Where are the old biddies (or anyone older than 30?) and, shall I say, certain sections of the population which appear to be unrepresented?

He made a very valid point but spoilt it all by insulting the older generation - where the hell does he get off using the derogatory slang of an old biddie. It's very inappropriate language and not politically correct these days especially written on a political activist's website for all the world to see. He might think he is trying to be funny but it smacks of ageism especially against older women. He forgets he will be old some day.

The government can pass laws on ageism and racial abuse but some people continue to lavish insults at will and think they can get way with it. Well they can't anymore. Only last week I was racially abused in the most vile way not because of my colour but because of my multi-cultural family. I'm still fuming about it and have reported it. I'm not taking insults like that from anybody.

Back on track, there's now an e-petition 42 day limit e-petition

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to hold a referendum on the proposal to extend the time a suspected terrorist can be held to 42 Days. More details

I certainly won't be signing it....

Update: Paul has done the decent deed and amended his wording - Good thing he isn't a high profile elected political face or the newspapers would have made mince meat of him, accusing him of one thing or the other.

Britblog roundup 173 with a bit of glamour

Waiting for Britblog round up 174 found I'd missed out reading 173 - Matt was a bit late in posting it. With so many blogs out there in blogosphere you never know what you can read in these roundups - I'm not one of those who read blogs for a living.

A new one on me, 173 mentions that the Acting Returning Officer of the Henley by-Election, David Buckle has a blog. Interesting for those that are following the by-election. It also gives an insight into the job of a returning officer - what they actually have to do and their legal responsibilities. Have been asked that question many times.

Been reading some stories about how Miss Great Britain ladies are fielding candidates in some elections - David reports there are not one but two standing in Henley. A blonde Amanda Harrington (left) and a brunette Louise Cole. Not a registered as a political party their candidates have to stand as independents so they can field as many as they want.

Sometimes one can be lost for words - it's as bad as the Monster Raving Loony party candidates. The plus side is that has to add a bit of glamour to otherwise dull candidates. The pictures in the papers has them dressed in bikinis. I'm curious to know whether they will be wearing them at the final count - will have some of the frustrated nerdy men, there are plenty of them at counts, getting a bit hot and bothered. Trust the Sun newspaper they've really gone to town with saucy pictures of them both - scroll down the page and click on the slideshow.

Polyclinics are they the way forward.

Most Londoners seem to be oblivious to the issue of Polyclinics. A petition with 1.3m signatures calling on the Government to halt the plan was this week submitted to Downing Street by Dr Laurence Buckman.

The British Medical Association is against what it says is the imposition of polyclinics and super-surgeries.

My local doctor is one of the surgeries that is due to be closed. I found out by chance when I went to renew my skin allergy prescription. I signed the petition only because the receptionist asked me to not really knowing what was at stake or the issue was really about . Now I've changed my mind.

I like my doctors because it's just up the road, the surgery is quiet and a walk in and wait, no appointment system is still the norm. An old fashioned type of doctor, he knows me very well and makes sure I do what he suggests. Recently a younger female doctor joined him.

The big irritation is that for every small thing like a blood test, an exray, smear test, or physio one has to go to Whittingham Hospital or one of the other venues scattered around the borough. This is when the stress factor kicks in - I'm very lazy about having to go myself to book an appointment with a referral letter then having to wait again for an appointment to be sent by post. He's also closed on a Thursday and at weekend. An emergency is out of the question.

Ironically there is another surgery on the corner of the road not more than 100 metres away from my own surgery. One of the doctors there is a skin specialist who treats people like me after being referred just with a hand-written note. All very simple.

Often thought it would be a good idea to have everything under one roof. Also seems a bit daft to have two surgeries so close together but then doctors are territorial about their practices. The Polyclinic plan bringing a range of specialist care under one roof sounds ideal but I'm wondering where my local will be located and if my doctor will be part of the team.

Last Thursday my right leg gave way on the stairs - old age. I almost fell over the curved banister - from so high up would have been a goner if I had. Self preservation, I grabbed the banister bar and held on but broke 4 of my fingernails, have serious bruises on parts of my body, seriously hurt my left foot big toe and have grazes on my arms. With nobody to help me, I sat there like a lemon feeling very sorry for myself. If there had been somewhere I could have gone for a check up I would have taken a taxi but I wasn't going to go to Whittingham 'Out Patience' and sit there for hours and hours.

After my experience a Polyclinic seems a good idea. Listening to the debates about the issue seems it is the doctors who are the ones against the idea more than the patients. They are using scaremongering tactics. Brown slams GPs over polyclinics.

Later: Camden's famous Labour blogger, never one to mince his words, on the hue ha going on in his borough.

"But rather typically, instead of looking at the benefits versus the risks, opponents hysterically accuse the proposed super-centres of trying to “hoover up” smaller surgeries...."

Sums it up rather articulately.

David Davies's action is turning into a farce

What an extraordinary week in Westminster. We all know that this week the extension of pre-charge detention to 42 days for terrorist suspects was passed in Parliament by a majority of 9 votes.

If the opinion polls are correct 69% of the people agree with it. I'm one of them. People want to feel safe. The police wanted it -These extra powers are only to be used in extreme cases anyway so what does it really matter to anybody who is not a terrorist. MP's are supposed to listen to their constituents. There is obviously now a big division between the voters and Parliament on this issue.

All this talk about the historic 800 year old Magna Carta, civil liberties, liberalism is all good and well but there are extreme cases where one has to take a tough stand. Times have changed - Britain for a long time is seen as a soft touch and it has to stop.

David Davies's jaw-dropping decision to resign as shadow Home secretary and cause a bye election over the issue has shocked everybody. Initially he was seen as a man with high moral personal principles. Everybody is entitled to their opinion but he should have done the honourable thing and resigned from the Tory party and stood as an independent candidate. By his action he expects to stand as a Tory candidate inflicting his personal views on the voters.

It's claimed that he will not receive any financial and logistical support from the Conservative Party. Under the circumstances, why would Labour or the LibDems want to stand against him and waste money, when as a known MP, regardless of his ideology, he is likely to win the seat anyway.

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg is already quoted as saying

"David Davis’s decision to resign his seat and fight a by-election over the issue of 42 days is a dramatic move. I am grateful to him for having informed me following the vote of his intention to take this step."The Liberal Democrats have consistently opposed this unnecessary and illiberal proposal which poses a threat so serious to British liberties that it transcends party politics".

Don't really agree with his decision nor do apparently many of their bloggers.

Now the Tories urge Davis to change his mind as contest threatens to descend into farce of course it is. If the other major parties are not going to field a candidate the only alternative will be him standing against a collection of the fringe party candidates, oddballs and clowns like Kelvin Mckenzie, Rupert Murdoch's jester in-chief..

An egomaniac, self indulgent, futile gesture on his part, when he is returned to Parliament he will be confined to the back benches which will hardly help his cause. A real slap in the face to David Cameron's leadership of the Conservatives party causing internal wrangling - now tagged a wildcard MP, can't envisage he will be trusted by any of the Tory heavyweights again.

BBC's Nick Robinson suggests 10 reasons why it may turn to be a nightmare for the Tories.

So will the revolution start in Haltemprice and Howden? - I don't think so, not in Yorkshire. Voters are more concerned with the high cost of food, fuel, mortgages and day to day living.

Just my weekend

This blog is going on occasional mode for the time being. Been struggling the whole of last week with a heavy cold. Could just about cope with day to day living, the old bones felt so weak, just had no energy to do anything else.

Went down to the army base for the weekend to see how my nephew Matthew was progressing. By coincidence it was his birthday. Friday, in a moment of madness made him a huge cake. Looked good until I thought about how I was going to carry it - was too big to put in to a normal cake container.

Saturday was one of those days when everything went wrong - Cold and damp, having a throbbing head didn't help matters either. Got to the station and found the whole of the Victoria line was suspended for track repairs. Not usually a problem but going round the houses on different connecting tube lines to make the ongoing train while precariously carrying the cake was a struggle. I was so worried that somebody would either stand on the cake or it would get crushed.

Was really stressed out when I arrived. On the way from the station,Terrie, Matthew's wife told me she was arranging an impromptu surprise party. Then I remembered I'd left the iron on. More panic - what a faff to sort that out from so far away. Felt a strong cuppa, two tea bags, no milk or sugar was the only way to pick myself up. The dogs were on their best behaviour. Seems everybody I know these days has dogs. Great soft lumps - they took great delight in lying on my lap while I drank my tea. Finally got to hear the news I was waiting for - Hilary Clinton bows out and backs Obama - more on that in another post.

Matthew really made me feel ashamed of my moans, there he was very unsteady on his feet insisting on doing the housework by himself. Only because he considers it's a way of physical exercise. He's already banished the wheelchair and the Zimmer frame to the shed.

His daughters Rebbecca and Hanna were taking part in a gymnastic display at their school so I was supposed to be his support while he was out of the house. Spent several hours at the school watching the children - he refused to sit down even when offered a chair. Insisting on walking everywhere - my heart was in my mouth watching him struggle. Was worn out when we got back to the house. Have to give him due respect for his sheer determination to get back into army standard shape - I couldn't do it to save my life.

He finally agreed to rest for a couple of hours then it was rush rush everywhere to get everything ready for the party. Chuffed to bits when my son and the grandchildren turned up. What is it about the army and small boys. My grandson at his young age was full of so many questions.

Surprise parties usually turn out great. Luckily the weather held out as well. The cake was a sentimental touch with everybody having a big chunk.

Sunday morning woke up to glorious sunshine and peace and quiet. One thing I've noticed that in all the army places, residences and surrounding areas I've visited, the roads and property frontages are pristine clean everywhere. It's like having little gremlins working in the night - never seen anybody cleaning the area but it's always gleaming. Took a much later train than originally planned. Was a real effort to psych myself up to travel back to London and meet the noise, dirt and rubbish.

Tube party and Teenage binge drinking

Early morning news -Tube drinks party sparks mayhem, leading to arrests, assaults and cancelled trains. Boris Johnson doesn't have to justify his action to anybody now.

Tube party in pictures. The sheer foolishness of the number of people who flocked to Liverpool Street station. Can't really understand what the protesters hope they are going to achieve.

The maddening thing is that most drinkers don't care or even appreciate the the effect their inebriated stupidity and the smell of the alcohol has on other passengers. Bloggers are writing about freedom of an individual and personal choice. That's all good and well but not when it affects the personal space of those around them.

A related issue, teenage binge drinking. It's been announced this morning that the government is bringing in news measures targeted at young people and their parents - Drink campaign targets parents. Parents who allow their children to consume alcohol could be prosecuted under new measures to target underage drinking in England. Sounds laudable but how many parents can honestly say that they have influence over what their teenage offspring do. Times have changed.

There are many parents who won't accept their children are involved even when the evidence is staring them in the face. Trying to complain to some parents about their child's behavour often results in gobby insults. We all know something has to be done to curb teenage binge drinking but...This is a wait and see how this will be handled by the police and will the measures have any lasting effect.